F-35B makes first Lowcountry vertical landing

The F-35B Friday made its first short takeoff and vertical landing since arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

The landing was executed by the second F-35B to transfer to the Lowcountry since Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 relocated from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida earlier this month.

The short takeoff and vertical landing capability of the F-35B allow the aircraft to land in austere environments and remote locations where few airfields are available for conventional aircraft, according to a news release from the base.

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the Marine Corps' first and only F-35B training squadron and is responsible for training F-35B pilots from all services.

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